2025 Preakness Stakes: A Comprehensive Guide

The 2025 Preakness Stakes is fast approaching, and excitement is building for the second jewel in the Triple Crown. Held annually at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, the Preakness is a highlight for horse racing enthusiasts. This guide provides essential information, including the date, time, odds, and how to watch the race for free.

📅 When is the Preakness 2025?

The 2025 Preakness Stakes will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Mark your calendars to ensure you don't miss this prestigious event.

⏰ What Time is the Preakness Stakes?

The post time for the Preakness Stakes is scheduled for 7:01 PM EST. However, the undercard races begin earlier in the day, offering a full afternoon of thrilling horse racing action from Pimlico Race Course. Here’s a breakdown of some key races and their estimated post times:

• Race 4 (Maryland Sprint Stakes): 12:16 PM EST
• Race 6 (Skipat Stakes): 1:28 PM EST
• Race 8 (Chick Lang Stakes): 2:48 PM EST
• Race 9 (Jim McKay Turf Sprint): 3:30 PM EST
• Race 10 (Sir Barton Stakes): 4:11 PM EST
• Race 11 (Dinner Party Stakes): 5:52 PM EST
• Race 12 (Preakness Stakes): 7:01 PM EST

📍 Where is the Preakness Stakes Held?

The Preakness Stakes is held at the historic Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. This venue has been the home of the Preakness since its inception in 1873.

📺 How to Watch the Preakness Stakes for Free

Several options are available for watching the Preakness Stakes without paying a dime:

• CBS News: According to Reddit posts, CBS News will provide coverage of the event.
• Online Streaming Services: Keep an eye out for free trials from streaming services that carry CBS.

Check local listings closer to the race day for specific broadcast details. According to Reddit user ComfortableWay6667, coverage begins at 3:00 AM EDT on May 17, 2025.

🐎 2025 Preakness Stakes Horses: Key Contenders

The field for the 2025 Preakness Stakes includes several promising contenders. Here’s a look at some of the notable horses:

1. Goal Oriented: A $425,000 son of Not This Time, Goal Oriented impressed with a debut win at Santa Anita and a victory at Churchill Downs on Derby Day. Trained by Bob Baffert, this horse is still learning but shows immense potential.
2. Journalism: After a strong performance in the Kentucky Derby, Journalism is considered a top contender. Despite some traffic issues in the Derby, this horse broke well and briefly led at the top of the stretch.
3. American Promise: Trained by the legendary D. Wayne Lukas, American Promise is a $750,000 son of Justify. Although the horse had a difficult trip in the Derby, Lukas believes the horse will perform better in the Preakness.
4. Heart of Honor: This "dark horse" ships in from overseas with a solid record, never finishing worse than second in six career starts. However, questions remain about the horse’s speed compared to the American field.
5. Pay Billy: A longshot with four wins in the last five starts, Pay Billy has steadily improved. The question is whether he is fast enough to compete at this level.
6. River Thames: After winning the first two starts, River Thames faced tough competition, including Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty. The horse is considered among the elite three-year-olds, though stamina at longer distances is a concern.
7. Sandman: A $1.2 million son of Tapit, Sandman had a challenging trip in the Derby but is expected to improve. The gray colt needs a strong pace to run into late in the race.
8. Clever Again: This $500,000 son of American Pharoah returned after a 10-month break with a strong performance in the Hot Springs Stakes. The horse should be among the early leaders, but the ability to handle the distance and competition is uncertain.
9. Gosger: A come-from-behind winner of the Lexington Stakes at Keeneland, Gosger's speed is a question mark, but the horse could surprise.

🐎 Preakness Stakes Post Positions and Morning Line Odds

The post position draw significantly influences a horse's chances in the Preakness Stakes. Here are the morning line odds for the 2025 Preakness Stakes:

• PP#1 - Goal Oriented
• PP#2 - Journalism
• PP#3 - American Promise
• PP#4 - Heart of Honor
• PP#5 - Pay Billy
• PP#6 - River Thames
• PP#7 - Sandman
• PP#8 - Clever Again
• PP#9 - Gosger

These odds are subject to change as betting patterns evolve leading up to the race.

✨ Expert Picks and Analysis

According to Reddit user Aspen2223, here are the selections for the 2025 Preakness Stakes:

1. Journalism
2. Sandman
3. Goal Oriented

Also consider: River Thames, Clever Again, and Gosgar.

Eddie Olczyk, NBC handicapper, is also "Looking To Get Journalism Beat," according to Augusta Free Press.

👗 Preakness Attire: What to Wear

Attending the Preakness Stakes is as much about fashion as it is about horse racing. For women, dresses are a popular choice. A Reddit user, RodeoAngel, inquired about attire for the 2025 Preakness, asking if a particular dress was "fancy enough." The Preakness is an opportunity to showcase your style with hats, dresses, and elegant accessories.

🚧 Traffic Modifications and Road Closures

If you plan to attend the Preakness Stakes in person, be aware of traffic modifications and road closures around Pimlico Race Course. The Baltimore City Department of Transportation will implement changes to facilitate the event. Check the official Baltimore City Transportation website for detailed information on road closures and alternative routes.

🗓️ Preakness Eve: Races on Friday, May 16, 2025

The excitement begins on Preakness Eve with several notable races. Aspen2223 on Reddit highlighted a few key races on Friday, May 16, 2025:

• Race 8 (3:05 PM EST) - Allaire du Pont Distaff Stakes: Key contenders include Candied, Sudden Switch, and Sea Dancer.
• Race 10 (4:07 PM EST) - Miss Preakness Stakes: Watch for Vodka with a Twist, Stunner, and Echo Sound.
• Race 11 (4:38 PM EST) - The Very One Stakes: Key horses include Loon Cry, Boisserati, and Accomplished Girl.
• Race 12 (5:10 PM EST) - Pimlico Special: Top picks include Pyrenees, Phileas Fogg, and Encino.
• Race 13 (5:44 PM EST) - Black-Eyed Susan Stakes: Keep an eye on Runnin and Gunnin, Amarth, and Reply.

💸 Betting on the Preakness Stakes

For those interested in betting on the Preakness Stakes, here are a few tips and insights:

• Booth: According to Aspen2223, Booth is "RAZOR sharp right now…perhaps the best bet of the day?" in the Maryland Sprint Stakes (Race 4).
• Expert Selections: Check out selections from Excellorator for insights on what you might have missed at Pimlico on May 17, 2025, as shared on Reddit's HorseBetting community.

❗ Key News and Updates

Stay informed with the latest news and updates regarding the Preakness Stakes:

• Rodríguez Out: A report from Horse Racing Nation indicates that Rodríguez will miss the Preakness 2025 due to a foot issue.
• Triple Crown Changes: With Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty skipping the Preakness, there are renewed calls to reform the Triple Crown structure, as noted by Thoroughbred Daily News.

🏘️ Local Issues in Lexington, KY

While the Preakness Stakes is a national event, local issues remain important. News from Lexington, KY, includes complaints about missed trash pickups, overgrown grass, and infrastructure problems. For example, residents have reported issues with "Herbie" (trash container) services and the need for street sweepers, as seen in Reddit’s news of lexington ky.

🎫 Promo Codes and Ticket Information

For those looking to attend the Preakness Stakes, finding promo codes can save money. In 2023, a Reddit user sought a Diageo promo code for 20% off certain tickets. Keep an eye out for similar promotions as the 2025 event approaches.

🐴 Final Thoughts

The 2025 Preakness Stakes promises to be an exciting event filled with top-tier competition and thrilling races. Whether you plan to attend in person or watch from home, stay informed with the latest updates, expert picks, and news to make the most of this prestigious horse racing event.